Lion's Den Trail

The Lion's Den Trail is one of our favourite hikes here on Fogo Island. The trail travels in a loop, which I prefer to trails where you must turn around walk the same way out.  The trail offers ocean views with signage describing the communities that were once located along its shores.  There had been a number small satellite communities dotting the coast in this area. 

The Lion’s Den Trail starts near the Marconi Wireless Interpretation Center. The Marconi site marks the location of Fogo’s wireless relay station, which stood from 1911-1933. It’s worth a visit, as it has some of the best views of Fogo, particularly Brimstone Head.  

View from the Marconi site:

Lane's Lookout

The trail offers many places where you can veer off the main loop and hike up to a look off.  I wouldn't suggest doing them all in one hike unless you're not planning on walking for the next couple of days (trust us). The most panoramic views of them all, we would say, are from Lane's Lookout.  A short hike up from the main trail brings you to a high hill-top that offers huge panoramic views of the coast. 

View from the top of Lane's Lookout:

Lion's Den

Lion's Den was the furthest satellite community from the Town of Fogo, situated at the end of this winding coastal trail.  Lion's Den is a small cove in a natural valley, there is a small stream nearby that burbles down to the shoreline.  The settlement that was once here was said to have been established in 1836. Lion's Den was once inhabited by 22 people, who were all planters and fishers. The population reached an astounding 40 people in 1871. When the community finally faded out of existence the houses were launched from the shores, many of which were relocated within the Town of Fogo.  Launched, literally means floated back around the point about a kilometer into Fogo.  

Shoal Tickle

Shoal Tickle was the smallest of the four communities that sprung up outside the Town of Fogo.  Shoal Tickle was among the other trail communities that were abandoned by the early 1930's. Families from Shoal Tickle moved to Fogo or the Gander Bay area.  

Lock's Cove

Lock's Cove, a long gradual hill brings you to another huge panorama.  Around this point of the trail Christina starts to take extended 'photography' breaks, or she just stops walking completely and doubles over to catch her breath.  I am not usually far behind her, and even Winston starts dragging his paws.  With a strong north headwind, the next portion of the trail can really do a number on the legs.  

We have a great time hiking this trail, and have done it a number of times already.  We will make many of our visitors suffer through it so that they can appreciate the scenery.  I can see some of you shaking your heads.. but you're gonna do it!

The strong North wind can cause whitecaps on this tiny pond
along the trail.  Christina described the icicles at the edge of the
pond as being "Stalagmite-type".  Nerd.